Reviews (page 7 of 8)
As a Pixies fan, I was curious to check out Frank Black’s solo work. Teenager of the Year is his second solo album, released in 1994, and it features 22 tracks of eclectic rock music. The album title and cover immediately put me off but apparently they are inspired by a magazine contest that Black won when he was a teenager. The album has some great songs, such as Headache, Speedy Marie, and Freedom Rock, that showcase Black’s distinctive vocals, witty lyrics, and catchy melodies. However, it also has some filler tracks, such as Fazer Eyes, The Hostess with the Mostest, and Superabound, that drag down the overall quality and coherence of the album. The album could have benefited from some editing and trimming, as it feels too long and uneven at times. Teenager of the Year is a good album, but not a great one. It has some flashes of brilliance, but also some dull moments. It is not as memorable or consistent as the Pixies’ albums, which I stick to in the future.
This is the type of album I'm really happy is on this list. I know the Pixies but didn't know about his solo stuff. This is super interesting, a ton of strange transitions, and each track is unique. 4/5
My first thought was, "This is such a stereotypical 90s album. Why is this on the list?" But then I realized that, 900+ albums in, I haven't heard anything ELSE like this so far from the list. This is what MY 90s sounded like, though. The slightly sloppy guitars, rough vocals, clever but loose rhyming schemes... this is the sound of indie rock in the 90s. And you know what? I'm here for it. I enjoyed this one. Maybe it was sheer nostalgia for the sound of my youth but I have a pretty underdeveloped sense of nostalgia so, if this managed to provoke a response... well, that's worth a star on its own.
I didn't know this album very well, which surprised me. The first thing to say is that the cover is excellent. The album itself is really good in parts, but is probably just a little too one-note for me. It didn't take me on a journey like Pixies albums do.
2/5. An interesting punk-rock album that doesn't go quite hard but isn't simple either. There are a lot of fun experiments on this one sonically but not sure I'm playing this one multiple times just cause it's hard to follow and stay invested. Like sure, it's weird but that's one of the main things it's got going for it. Not a bad listen but honestly a little too long, a solid 30 minute punk run of the best songs on this would be awesome.
Pretty solid 90s rock tracks. The songs didn't feel all that special to me though.
After the album, my Spotify Algorithm played: Dinosaur Jr. - Goin' Home Wire - Feeling Called Love XTC - Respectable Street Breeders - Saints Elastica - All-Nighter
Reasonable, somewhat generic, music.
Ehhh, 2.5/5, not my jam
I've tried many times, but I just don't get it now
A divisive album with inconsistent song quality and an experimental sound. It may appeal to die-hard fans but falls flat for me
Not my jam...
I got excited for this record when it came out but other than a couple of really great tracks from it I was a bit disappointed that it was not more Pixies like.
Stick with the Pixies…
very jam-band... winey... some of it chills out, but... i can't wait for the album to be over.
I understand the Pixies to be quite highly regarded, but this just did not cut it at all for me. It felt extremely bland, and I actually didn't manage to sit through the whole of it. Even though it was just an hour long it felt like I was listening to it the whole morning. Not in a good way.
This is such a weird album that I can't put my finger on. I play a few tracks and like it, a few more and get so annoyed that I switch to something else. Then i come back to it and enjoy a few tracks before getting annoyed again. I really can't tell if I like it or not. A few track that I liked multiple times were "Speedy Marie", "Headache" and "Freedom Rock". But in the end 1 hour is too long, about 15 min seems my sweetspot. Maybe give it a 3?
...I'm not black like Barry White, no, I am white like Frank Black is... - Bloodhound Gang
Rock alternativo. Ni fu ni fa.
Superchulo.
I loved this, which was unexpected.
Pretty sure I have this on CD in the garage, but I haven't listened to it in ages. Its good some good songs on it but it's overlong, and continues in the direction Frank Black was taking the Pixies, into more "conventional" rock. Not nearly as good as the first couple of Pixies albums.
6 stars. This was my bible, my shield, my parents, and my best friend. A lot of Pixies fans couldn't bridge the gap between that band and this (and his first solo one, for that matter), but it all made sense to me. Where I think a lot of his musical ideas fell into ruts as time went on, this is one where every song and every diversion in every song was still paying off big time. 10 stars. This was way cooler than anything on the radio - we were swimming in a real sea of shit with the copy-of-a-copy grunge and mass-produced R&B. This was the only album with songs about video games, going to malls, visits from aliens, and The Three Stooges - sung with all the passion of Celine Dion singing about the power of love or whatever. A million stars.
Here's how to make a good album: Write some fun songs about unusual subjects. Don't make 'em too long. Achieve a deft balance between pop sensibility and rockin' out. Have a rad guitar tone. Get the bassist from Captain Beefheart's excellent 'Bat Chain Puller (Shiny Beast)' to produce and play on the album. See? Not so hard, right?
I think I have a better understanding after listening to this of why I’ve never fully gone all in on the Pixies or Frank Black. There are so many great ideas and yet I feel like it’s rare that they add up to make great songs. With this album specifically, it’s like Frank is always more interested in the next song than in making the current one really, really good. Swear to God, if you combined every three songs on this record into a single song, you’d be left with like 7 pretty damn good songs. But that’s not what we get. “Headache” is excellent and there were others I liked. But the album as a whole is more like a quilt of disparate and interesting ideas when all I want it to be is a really good warm blanket.
Fine, boring.
Pretty fun. Like a punky party. Lots of teenage house party vibes. Would be the soundtrack for the night. Very high energy throughout so couldn't finish it. Liked Pong and Abstract Plain a lot. Abstract Plain gave me some Neil Young vibes. Cool!
Þetta eru ekki Pixies, en þetta er oft á tíðum skemmtilegt. Þarf ekki að hlusta aftur, en myndi ekki mótmæla ef einhver setti á fóninn.
The only good thing about these songs is that they're short.
There are so many odd things here that I've loved for almost 30 years. TIL that Two Reelers is about The Three Stooges. What an odd dude.
not for me (2)
Rock. Interesante.
Not my style
I don’t totally get the ideas here, but it’s not bad. A weird one for sure.
i really didnt get this. feels like it’s either too weird for me or not weird enough.
3/5 some cool songs
Headache good. Rest ok.
Qué hueva.
Much too long, and a fair number of these songs end before they can really get interesting. But what does stick around to be developed is pretty good!
the opening track starts with a driving and stirring riff but they dont stick with it and go into some crackity jones bullshit instead. the whole record is like this.
Uno de los mejores álbumes de todos los tiempos. Innovador, entretenido, creativo y sorprendente. Este LP revolucionó el panorama musical de la época y tras una serie de remasterizaciones, sigue fascina hasta el día de hoy. Realmente un indispensable musical y un clásico del rock.
I remember reading interviews with solo Frank Black in Rock Sound magazine around 2000 and not really knowing who he was. Shortly after that I got super into Pixies, but somehow have managed not to listen to any of his solo stuff in the intervening years. A cool, heavy, unsurprisingly Pixies-ish sound which it will probably take a few listens for me to fully appreciate. Headache felt really familiar, and I loved the guitars on The Hostess With The Mostest.
8th September 2023 Listened during the day while cleaning the house. Parents with Nick and Ana in the evening. Solid if unforgettable, some songs very Pixies some a bit more left field and heavier. 2.5 if I could.
I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised to find a well crafted alternative rock album. It’s a bit too long, but there are some really fantastic songs here that are strong enough to be Pixies tracks. Solo albums from members of a strong band are always a gamble, but I think Frank Black/Black Francis hits his mark here.
Around the middle of the album, the genre changes from this offbeat alternative that is closer to the Pixies to basically grunge but with a unique flavor. I'm all for it since their alternative sound doesn't really stick, except for "Abstract Plain", which I also liked.
Superchulo
just alright, way too long for what it is. 30/40 mins would have allowed for this to feel like a much sturdier project. Sir rockaby has a cool synth(?) melody thing. I like the wobbly sound. P.s This guys legal name is "Charles Michael Kittridge Thompson IV"
3.5/5. I’d rather listen to the Pixies.
Loud, sometimes punk sounding, sometimes grunge sounding. It wasn't bad, I enjoyed it.
Album 155 of 1001 Frank Black - Teenager of the Year Rating : 4 / 5 Favorite Track : Freedom Rock Great album. Rock, Punk. Ballad...dude hit on everything and in an impressive manner, I might add. Really enjoyed this. Will be on my list to revisit. Give it a listen.
The tracks grabbed me about as much as a guy in an hospital amputation ward in Saudi Arabia after he got caught stealing, and I felt my time was stolen so that makes sense.
Buena colección de canciones con toques rockeros. Interesante de escuchar. A ratos guitarrero e intenso. Bien conjuntados y producido. No lo conocía en absoluto y me ha gustado.
This album doesn’t really challenge any genre, nor does it stand out from the rest in any meaningful way. But does it need to? I’d argue to be on this list, yeah it does. It’s harmless, and for that reason I’m just kind of bored by it. Sounds like it was a fun time to make. Some lyrics are fun, and Black relievers them in a way that keeps some tracks mildly entertaining, but meh. On to the next.
I’m guessing 1994 was a down year for teenagers.
Well I sure liked this more than the Pixies. Kind of uneven, but definitely some songs I enjoyed. Probably a 2.5 for me, but I'm in a good mood today so I'm rounding up.
I have no idea how to feel about this album. My opinions on it change from song to song. I really enjoy some of the relatively more mellow songs like Headache but I also really dislike some of the more screaming vocals on some of the other songs. I just really with there was a consistent sound. Also, the last half of this album feels like it's all filler. The album does not need to be an hour long. Overall, I think it's an okay album with some great gems hidden throughout.
I honestly didn't expect to like this - but a positive surprise is never a bad thing. Definitely quite varied (in terms of songwriting and instrumentation) for a solo effort!
I like it. I'd give it 3.5 or 3.75 stars, but I'm rounding down because 1) it doesn't belong with a lot of 4 star albums, and 2) it's not an album I should listen to before I die.
had pretty low expectations for this because 1, I forgot who Frank Black was (frontman of Pixies), and 2, the album cover, title, and seeing that it was a 90s alternative album, I was expecting some mediocre grunge-metal so glad that this is actually fucking fantastic although now that I know who Frank Black is, it makes sense that the guy who wrote the songs for Surfer Rosa and Doolittle would write an album like this - 10/10
Ondanks dat ik het idee heb dat ome Frank graag de mensen ook een beetje wil irriteren kan ik z'n muziek altijd heel goed hebben. Album is een tikkeltje aan de lange kant (ruim een uur), maar blijft best interessant. Ik geef een hele lichte 5 sterren. Ik vind het te goed voor 4, maar de andere 5 sterren albums zijn vrijwel allemaal nog net iets beter.
Surprisingly diverse. Lots of different styles and variations of styles. Creative writing. I really liked it.
so dumb yet genius.
I really vibed out with this. His band is really tight on this one. Just too ling
I know barely enoug about Frank Black to know that he's in the Pixies, but I would not be able to distinguish his solo work from his work with the band. I like the Pixies in general (but not every track) and after listening to Teanager Of The Year, the same could be said for Frank Black. All of the album was okay or close to it. "Two Reelers" was uneven with the transitions and a little trying on my patience, while "Pie in the Sky" dipped a little into being just plain noisy, with pounding snares and grinding guitars. Teenager Of The Year does have an alternative sound, and Black's voice and compositions seem well intergrated with his work in the Pixies. The tracks where I felt like I was fully enjoying the music were "Speedy Marie", "Calistan", "Big Red" and "Space Is Gonna Do Me Good".
very poor
Ну так..
Frank Black is really easy to make fun of. He's pretty much a parody of himself at this point. Despite that I love the first run of Pixies records and definitely love this record. This has always been one of my top records to listen to on a road trip. Just so many great sing-along-able songs. It's a tad long, but still punches above it's weight from start to finish.
- This is the guy from the Pixies sick - Love the punkiness and grunginess of this - Freedom Rock is epic - Long, but the music was good - 3.5
- Punky and indie - Headache was a great song
This album is a lot of fun and always is better than I think it will be when I listen to it. Favorite track: Sir Rockaby
this rips, can always use more heyday pixies
Predictable music. Not particularly interesting.
This was far too long of an album, completely void of any consistency. After halfway through the terrible vocals started getting on my nerves just wanted it to end. "White Noise Maker" yes that's exactly what this album was. Booooring.....
This album grew on me. It’s a bit all over the place, but creative and interesting. Freedom Rock was the highlight for me
This is the first one so far that I had never heard before, was sure I would love and could not wait for it to be over....The album is far to long and the genre blending, vocal and songwriting choices just never landed for me. Sorry Black Francis...
Really great sound and production, gives the rock a feeling of optimism and positive energy. Lacks a but in songwriting such as melodies and memorable choruses, but overall a great rock album despite its long runtime.
Decent rock album, wide range of different styles but a bit too long and lacking any standout songs
2/5
This is really mid.
He needs the pixies. It’s not awful but sometimes giving someone complete control diminishes them. Probably better than I think so rounded up from 2.5
((Totally new for me. Excellent and different. a relief it isn't crap. This is a wretched list)) Adventurous? ...you like it non-standard sometimes? Or maybe you are bored and need something edgier to meet your mood ? Take one of these then. It might work.... Excellently chaotic music, suited well to almost any mood, but perhaps best suited driving top down along Mulholland at some crepuscular dawn after an all night pool party, half open Hawaiian shirt, RayBans and a 52mm girth Cuban between the lips. Haven't you heard of this band? Me either. He played with the Pixies. This description from Wikipedia makes help to make sense of what is going on, and why the guitar sounds are pressing familiar buttons you can't put you're finger on: "His vocal style has varied from a screaming, yowling delivery as lead vocalist of Pixies to a more measured and melodic style in his solo career.[4] His cryptic lyrics mostly explore unconventional subjects, such as surrealism, UFOs, and biblical violence, along with science fiction and surf culture.[5] His use of atypical meter signatures, loud–quiet dynamics, and distinct preference for live-to-two-track recording during his time with the Catholics, give him a distinct style within alternative rock.[6] Source: Wikipedia, obviously.
Look, I have this cd, but hadn’t listened to it for a long time. Black’s solo stuff has never grabbed me like The Pixies did. I played it through once this morning & it was interesting but not thrilling. I mean, I really enjoyed The Breeders’ stuff. Not happening here, though.
I love the Pixies. I discovered them with Doolittle, and then bought all of their albums thereafter at release. I played and loved them a lot. I even like Trompe le Monde and Bossanova. But when they split, I transferred my affection completely over to Kim Deal and the Breeders. I know I listened to Frank Black's first couple of solo albums (including this one) when they were released but I found little that grabbed me, and easily forgettable. It felt like a fading carbon copy of the Pixies, almost like someone trying to make a record that sounded like a Pixies record. But without the power or biting edge. Frank Black has released a pretty prodigious catalogue of music since then, all of which I have managed to ignore. So, coming back to this album nearly 30 years after release, do I find it any more compelling than I did at the time? It's slightly better than I remember, but I still stand by my initial assessment. Not much that sticks out here, except for Headache which is a pretty good song. I like that the tracks are short and to the point, but with 22 tracks clocking in over an hour, there are more than a few songs that could have been happily left on the cutting room floor. 'Fiddle Riddle' and 'Ole Mulholland' are the first tracks I would cull. On a 1001 list note, I do not understand why this album is on the list but the Breeders 'Last Splash ' is not. It was a much more successful and impactful record both commercially and critically at the time, and, I would argue, has had a much greater lasting influence. Plus, Last Splash is a lot more fun than Teenager of the Year. I find it hard to ascribe this substitution to anything other than chauvinism.
Rock alternativo. Ni fu ni fa.
Not bad
Fair enough but not the most interesting project, Francis > Frank
I actually really liked this album, I think it's well constructed and I like Black's vocals and energy. I think the writing seems promising too, but one day of listening isn't enough to really internalize what's going on on each track in relation to the others. I'm excited to keep listening to this project over time and see how it grows on me.
Looks like we have Pixies here before Pixies. And as with that band, I really liked Black Francis' album. Very diverse, you can never know what is going to happen next in the song. Just a very solid record, I'm actually surprised I haven't heard about it more. Over 20 songs with many diamonds in there, I'm looking forward to listen to them more often.
Didn't really enjoy this. Aggressive and boring at the same time. Not to my taste, won't listen again.
I was pretty drunk for about 75% of this album and during that time I thought it was overlong, boring, and had terrible vocals. However, as I sobered up throughout the course of the album, I began to enjoy it slightly more while still thinking that it was overlong and also learned that this artist was the frontman for the pixies which I generally like. If I relisten to this tomorrow, I’ll reevaluate but as of right now it gets a low three on account of killing my drunk vibes and being generally lame while I was intoxicated and to a lesser extent while I was relatively sober. I listened to a couple songs the next day and honestly enjoyed them a bit less. Not enough for a two but definitely a shitty 3
At first I didn't like it, but it slowly grew on me.
Meh. First song didn’t seem to bad but after that I didn’t like it
Enjoyable album. Fun lyrics. Wasn't interested at the start but it grew on me as the album progressed.
Absolutely love this album. I have no idea how many times I've listen to this. So happy to see it on the list!
It took me a while to come around to liking Frank Black (same with the Pixies). This record definitely helped. Lots of really good tunes on this.
It's hard for me not to compare this to the Pixies. I liked it but i'd still listen put on a Pixies record before this.
I love Frank Black/Black Francis/Pixies/etc. While his solo stuff is a little more hit and miss compared to some of the Pixies pre-breakup albums, this is probably my favorite of his solo albums and I really love it.
After the first couple of songs I was ready to write it off as “Pixies without the quiet bits,” but once you get deeper in it’s pretty clearly more. Hints of Talking Heads and T. Rex at times. Solid alt-rock/pop.
Don't think my patience was fully here for such a long album, not when I've sat through Black's vocals for two other albums already in this project. I definitely didn't hate it, the three star rating is earnest, but man, I've gone through a lot lately and this was a weird mental roadblock. I certainly saved a fair share of music from Teenager of the Year, but I'm glad I never again have to sit through the stuff I don't like to get to the stuff I do.
Loved the pixies first two albums but could never get into the last two. Just a bit directionless without the magic that sparked throughout the first two. Never listened to Black Francis' solo stuff as I thought it would be a continuation of the same and it looks like I was right. Bit of a bloated, mediocre album, but not unlistenable
A surprisingly fun rock album. Nothing especially unusual about it but it's enjoyable, if a bit long.
Очень здорово 👍
This is pretty inoffensive 90's rock. Feels a little generic, but overall not bad. Nothing stands out in a positive or negative way. Just kind of exists. There are way too many songs on this album man. It's only 1 hour long with 23 tracks, but man does it feel like it goes on for twice that time. Was a solid 3/5, but is more of a low 3/5
I wanted to dislike this album. After track 1 I was not looking forward to 60+ min. Really grows on you. Not a Pixies fan but this guy is talented. He's like Bradley Nowell/Lou Reed hybrid (to far? Maybe) plus now I get that 311 reference. Parcheesi anyone?
The length of this really works against it. Some fat trimming would have made this a 5 star, but some of the chaff gets through and weighs down the album a bit. Still, this list continues to swing me into being a fan of Pixies. Favorite tracks: "Whatever Happened to Pong?", "Calistan", "Ole Mulholland", "Fazer Eyes"
Run of the mill indie rock. Not bad by any stretch of the imagination and there were some good tracks in there but nothing that would make me come back for more.
"Teenager of the Year" is the second solo album by American musician and Pixies' frontman Frank Black (Black Francis). It was co-produced by former Pere Ubu member Eric Drew Feldman (also by Frank Black and Allstair Clay) who played keyboards. Other guest musicians included guitarists' Lyle Workman, Morris Tepper and the Pixies' Joey Santiago. This was not originally well-received but now is widely praised. Yeah, this is a good album. The album starts slow with a Pixies' sounding guitar and string sounds on "Whatver Happen to Pong?" It then kicks in hard with Frank screaming unintelligibly. I did pick up that he wanted to go back to a time before Donkey Kong. Lots of time travel talk on this album. "The Vanishing Spies" is slower, more pop. The sci-fi theme continues with disappearing Russian probes. Hey,we have a love song in "Speedy Maine." Very catchy. The only single was "Headache." Jingly guitar. Piano. A great vocal and backing vocal chorus. This sounds very latter-day Replacements. Actually, much better. There's a wrinkle in time and he's got a headache. Let's rock out with louder guitar and ferocious drumming in "Freedom Rock." Don't conform and especially don't give Frank advice at a record store. Hey, Van Halen showed up for the start in "The Hostess with the Mostest." Then, straight punk. About malls, of course. "Superabound" adds an organ, a groove and sounds like we're at a carnival. I don't know why but I was reminded of The Meat Puppets again (see yesterday). We need Joey Santiago Pixie surf guitar!!! We need...And we get it at the end in "Pure Denizen Of The Citizens Band" and "Pie in the Sky." "Photon power. Expanding border. Behold the pie in the sky." This was fun, fun, fun. 22 short songs. A variety of punk, Pixies, pop and rock. Nice melodies. Time travel and video games. What else do we need?
This is a perfectly fine but unexceptional alt-rock album. I actually think it holds up reasonably well and doesn't sound overly dated, I just don't think any of the songs really stand out. I wouldn't turn it off if it came on again, but I also wouldn't pick it out to listen to. It's also pretty long (62 minutes) which doesn't really help its case. Favorite song: Calistan Others: (I Want to Live on An) Abstract Plain, Speedy Marie, Superabound, White Noise Maker
Es muy monótono. En principio, me gustó cómo sonaba, pero nunca pude diferenciar si ya se había acabado la canción o estaba en una diferente. Todo sonaba tan parecido que se me hizo aburrido y me terminó costando trabajo escucharlo bien.
The only song I really liked was "Headache" and I think that's just because I remember them playing it a lot when this album came out. Otherwise it was pretty forgettable.
This album is a lot of fun. It doesn't really feel groundbreaking, but that's okay. The vocals are fun and sung well, the instrumentation is arranged well. Favorite tracks: Speedy Marie, Superabound
It's almost ridiculous how this experimental sounding rock is so catchy.
I've never been a big fan of Pixies. I will never be a big fan of Frank Black.
Way too long, a couple very solid tracks.
Decent 90's alt rock as solo project from the Pixies lead singer. Songs are short but there's 22 of them. Standout is "Headache."
An interesting departure from the Pixies frontman. Still has some of the same frenetic energy, but takes a more melodic and structured approach with each track. It’s a testament to how good the melodies are that I never felt bored, but I can’t help but wonder if this could’ve been a killer LP if it wasn’t 30 minutes of good ideas smeared out over a full hour.
3.5
Not his best
I wish I could way I enjoyed this but mostly it made me realize that I'm sick of listening to bands with singers that can't sing (there are SO MANY!!) - or maybe he can but chooses to do so badly? I am not that big on the Pixies in the first place so the frontman's solo project is just one more step removed.
I listened to this alot in college and it really makes the memories come flood back hearing it again. This is easily his best post Pixies album, and I'd say its on par with "Trompe Le Monde." It's CD era long so I'll dock it a point for that, but otherwise I find his songwriting curiously compelling, and the weird energy he performs it with, to be captivating.
Interesting to hear the solo work of the Pixies guy, but the output isn't quite there enough for me. A bit too polished, and yet parts of it sound like a mix between Iggy Pop and The Velvet Underground... but just not as good.
Listened Before? N It was alright I suppose. I feel like a lot of the albums I've been getting recently are very same-y. Lots of uninspired alt-rock from both sides of the pond. I can't wait to get back to some unique stuff. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Headache
A little long
3.5
Another one hanging around the five star mark but doesn't quite get there for me. Maybe a bit too long. Big fan of his style though and interesting cross over with my old mates/nemsises Pere Ubu on production.
un disco liso lleno de canciones que no aportan nada, realmente no entiendo quien le financio esta magnitud a esta persona sin profundidad. Las letras son teen y por más de que vayan con el titulo ni siquiera se esfuerza a sonar como rock trash y corroborarlo, pero bueno. Un disco qeu quiere sonar diferente en momentos pero que suena a la misma mierda o peor de lo qeus e espera, tampoco brindando nada de escucha de lo que se espera 3/10.
Unlike Kim Deal's The Breeders, Frank Black is incredibly faithful to the Pixies sound and approach. As much as they try, it's not quite as melodically interesting as Pixies releases, but all the instrumentalists do an outstanding job in supporting Black. And it still has that Pixies groove with a bit of an Americana influence (that he would expand in later records). Plenty of highlights here. A few forgettable, and goes on a bit too long, but a solid surprise for any Pixies fan who hadn't dived into the post-Pixies material. Favorites: Whatever Happened to Pong, Abstract Plain, Calistan, Headache, Freedom Rock, Two Reelers, Fiddle Riddle
It was okay.
pas trop écouté
Shit was ass
It starts disappointingly. Frank Black is still his surreal yelping self, but backed by a band without Kim Deal's groove, Joey Santiago's scratchiness or David Lovering's drive, so like a pub rock Pixies. But this albums generous size is it's saving grace. As it goes on, Black dives into genre experiments you'd never have heard on a Pixies album, and here the album actually shines - when he stops trying to give what he thinks you want, and instead gives you the unexpected, it's actually really good.
Good album but certainly too long
Ok album. The Pixies have been a group that I've heard a bunch, but never really clicked with me. Probably won't listen again, but appreciate the band's influence on the punk scene in the 80's/90's
First two minute long songs feel like a psychotrip, and I do not mean that in a bad way. Was weirdly fun
Okay !
An album of fun songs that’s just a bit too long. Enough variety to keep it interesting. Definitely WAY better than the album cover would indicate
I like the Pixies and so obviously there are some similarities here. Barring the fact this is too long of an album, I still thought it was decent.
I find it hard to think of anything to write about this album because it's been a part of the fabric of my soundscape for so many years. This is a beloved favorite because of the cerebral lyricism married so effortlessly to fun singalong rock songs. "They tried to give me advice down at the record shop. I said, 'Sit down, boys. This may come as a shock: the only thing I listen to is freedom rock'." I love this sense of awareness Black has in calling out music snobbery. Clocking in at 22 tracks, this album has plenty of room for the harder, faster rock songs and more ballad-y or bouncy pop tunes.
The Pixies guy!
Siendo muy fan de Pixies, la carrera de Frank Black me ha dado igual y este disco en particular con esa foto que me recuerda a Divine menos. No voy a decir que sea malo, pero es totalmente prescindible. 2 estrellas y gracias por el pescado.
Really interesting
The album is unmemorable. I don't believe I had ever heard the artist before. The music zeemed inconsistent. It wasn't great and was over an hour long. The songs themselves weren't particularly long but there was a lot of them.
Don't really get it.
This is exactly the kind of album you expect from the title. It's what a teenager in the 90s would listen to and maybe even love (some songs are quite good!). Is it revolutionary? I don't think so, but it's a great time capsule.
De guy van de pixies. Beetje lang album
Lidt for generisk, intetsigende 90'er rock
deffo a summer album. some songs were good, some were like... really weird. but that's frank! i'll revisit in warmer months.
Great sun out windows open album. It isn't afraid to take influence from early rock but it also has elements that you would expect from an album of this era. Truly good music. I judged this one by the cover at first and shouldn’t have.
Frank is a legend. The man responsible for the pixies can do little wrong. Much of their energy is reflected here.
Pretty interesting stuff, 3 stars
Surprising to see this album on the list (it doesn't belong I think). Got this album as a birthday present at the time and listened to it a lot. But now I struggle to finish it. The number of songs is just too exhaustive, and the material is too inconsistent and in general does not reach Pixies level ..even though occasionally it gets close (there are some really good pop songs on it). My vote in 1994: 4 stars My vote in 2023: 3 stars
Did not hate it, but none of the (22!) songs really appealed to me.
Songs such as Speedy Marie approach Pixies quality but overall this album is far below that standard.
Somewhere among this sprawling double-album was a more coherent and concise collection. Not bad, just too much of the same.
Wow this was fantastic. I’d heard Calistan before but there were so many bops. He managed to keep his craziness while also churning out some really catchy stuff. Lot of heft here. Secures the 5.
Decent rock that just diden't quite grab me
HL: "Two Reelers", "Headache", "Ole Mullholland", "White Noise Maker"
I liked this way better than the Pixies albums on the list. Sounds more like a conventional rock album.
This was just too much music for me, but the solo on "vanishing spies" was a highlight for sure
Very impressed! What a great surprise!
Wasn't quite surewhat I thought. The image didn't match the sound. Not unpleasant but got samey as I listened to more of it. Going to be hard and give 2*
Alright.
Yea this album is just annoying (its a pixies related thing after the good years of the pixies is not that surprising)
Well as absolute Pixies fan I love all four Pixies albums and would rate them 5 stars easily, I did kinda like the 1st Solo album of Black Francis/Frank Black, but this one too standard rock and roll for me, so only 3 for this one. Hope Pixies will show up one of these days.
Nah
Mostly garbage music. I found myself yelling "don't you care about notes?" after the first song or two. There were a few reasonable songs after that, I enjoyed "Calistan" and "Headache". These raised it up from one star to two.
Best Song: Speedy Marie. I appreciated the slower, more thoughtful production on this track. The singer has a really nice singing voice when he sings low and slow. Worst Song: Sir Rockaby. Didn't need the lullaby here. Overall: Another one of those alt albums where the artist just throws everything at the wall and hopes something sticks. It feels like they thought if they wrote a song, it needed to be on the album. That kind of desperate energy does little to improve the overall experience, which is 22 songs of just okay.
Quite enjoyable Like a few of the tunes … Anyone else getting a load of 90s american rockpunk?
Well this was a great surprise Started off sounding like Pixies redux but then got good and then kept getting better Really liked this
The love songs from a muddy morning
Kinda generic dad rock that was didn't inspire any real feelings. 2.5
Ok.
Fine
не мой стиль
Because of Pixies
Неожиданно круто
Cool
Were the pixies to split and the frontman to have his own solo project - this would be it. Oh that’s what this is? Kidding aside - it’s good a good fraction of what makes the pixies cool and wonderful but it’s got the missing spice. It’s still a decent record and the songs are good - probably one of the better Frank Black albums.
yassified david brent
No
i have listened to three pixies albums so far; all were okay but didn't stand out that much. i wasn't even aware they were successful enough to have their frontman go solo! and i'm not entirely sure why. this music is fine but doesn't stand out so much and isn't as good as the pixies. the lyrics are unimaginative. it even seems unnecessarily long; it wasn't like frank black had that much to say so i don't know why teenager of the year is over an hour long. for what it's worth, the guitar was quite good here.
While this album was very 90s alternative through and through (something that I usually love), it was kind of boring. I felt like I was hearing a lot of pretty generic alternative sounds, and nothing stood out. This certainly doesn't top, add to, nor enhance the work of the Pixies...which, I guess it doesn't HAVE to, but I just kind of expect something special when a band member goes solo and makes it onto this project. Not bad, but nothing really to talk about.
The older I get, the less tolerance I have for double albums. Give me a concise 40-45 minute record, with just your best shit. Leave me wanting more, don’t make me want to walk away because you keep rambling. Save the rest for a bonus ep or another standalone record. There are very few double albums that justify being 65-80 minutes long and Teenager of the Year isn’t one of them. There’s probably a great, 5 star, record in here, but there’s too much similar sounding sprawl to make this a concise, enjoyable experience. Let’s be honest, no one needed a Frank Black reggae/dub excursion, which underscores my point about double records: just because you can do something (fill a cd with 80 minutes of music, record a reggae track) doesn’t mean you should. The best parts of this record are when the song structures get a little complex and the instrumentation gets varied (though a lot the synths and keys on this record definitely sound dated). I wouldn’t call them “prog” songs, but they are certainly “prog-like”. Even then, these songs become indistinguishable towards the end. As whole, the album attempts eschew formula with varied stylistic choices, but the songs themselves all follow a very similar formula. 13 or 14 songs into Teenager of the Year, you’ll probably be thinking to yourself, “Ok, I get it already” or “didn’t I hear this song already?”. Then, you’ll realize you still have another 8 or 9 tracks to go.
It's fine I guess but it ain't no Pixies and didn't need a third of the songs
It's fine but too long, n9thing super s0ecial
I didn't think much of this really. All over the place and too long. I like the Pixies but this really drove home for me how important Kim Deal's contributions are!
This is a good album...no it's not Slanted and Enchanted, nor is it Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain, but thete are a lot of good tunes and very few of what I wiould consider throwaways. However, In comparison to a Pixies album it is missing those 3 or 4 songs that transcend the signature sound to be of universal pop appeal. 3.5
Uneven, but has its moments
Interminable trash. Had I died yesterday, not having heard this album yet would not have been amongst my regrets. Maybe that's a little harsh. Bad Wicked World and a few other songs are ok. Album sure starts rough though.
Nothing special
Impressive record with a great sound. The songs are really interesting and the tracklist flows perfectly. Maybe this is not at the level of the best Pixies, but the final result is more than enjoyable.
First track was unlistenable. It got better but I still didn't like it.
Whyyyy is this so long
I liked it more than expected. Needs the Pixies to be amazing
Miksi tääkin on näin pitkä?? Ei joka biisiin riitä ideaa! Jos yhdessäkään biisissä on kunnollista. Täytyy olöa tosi karismaattinen sooloesiintyjä, että tällanen toimik. Levylle asti se ei välity
Tiedän - kun säveltäessä tulee vaiheeseen, jossa pitäisi kehittää biisiin koukku, on huomattavasti kivempaa vain laittaa sen tilalle jokin jännä sointu tai monotoninen huudahdus. Loppuun mietittyjen biisien sijasta on myös paljon kivempaa tehdä kokoelma lyhyitä näytteitä, joita voi sijoittaa monta putkeen, ja leikkiä, että ne korvaavat 'perinteiset' kappaleet. Ehkä artistilla ei omassa historiallisessa tilanteessaan ollut realistista vaihtoehtoa. Traagista.
Not bad, didn’t stop it early so.
Spotify played The Pixies after this and I didnt give that a 5, Frank, so how do you think this is going to end up?
There's only two Frank Black records I really like without the involvement of Kim Deal. The amazing Honeycomb and this. Lots of pretty short, spiky songs and one stone cold, copper bottomed, tin hatted classic in Headache.
I like frank blacks voice but I feel like he doesn’t do anything flattering for it
Had never heard of this, didn’t care to hear of it either.
Old enough to remember the Pixies breaking up, and yet, despite my love of Come on Pilgrim, Surfer Rosa, and Doolittle I didn't track Frank Black after the breakup. Fast-Forward five years to a friend forcing this album on me saying Frank Black deserves my attention. Looking back I'm surprised Mr. Black didn't track right after the breakup. The first 2/3 of this record is right up my alley. Really, it's only at song #21 that I start to think this thing has gone on a little too long. And then BOOM! it's over at the end of song #22. So there you go. Maybe if he had released four fewer songs in 94, I would've been converted. As it stands, I still saw Frank Black and the Catholics in 1999 after that same friend had put the CD in my hand as a hook to get me to buy a ticket to the show. Lots of these songs were played and played well. The record still holds up here on an abstract plain at the end of 2022.
There's a real Pixies feel to this and I really like it. The guy's really talented and there's a variety to this too that makes it worth listening the whole way through.
better than i expected, he has a deep talent for melody and texture, his downfall is that he is over clever
More fine stuff. Is it something I need to hear before I die? Probably not. Frank is cool though. Saw him in 98
Based on the cover I assumed it would be a comedy album or something so listening to it left me confused. How could this balding middle aged man be teenager of the year. I expected irony. Oh well. Sounded like generic mid 90s rock.
I'm not black like Barry White, no I am white like Frank Black is After Dead Kennedy's to Frank Black, punk to punkish sound the theme of last couple days Missed review of Kennedys. Recognized a couple from radio and who could not love any version of viva las Vegas? Old suitemate in college was big fan. I'd go with 2.5. Btw, the drummer, DH Peligro passed away last week. Back to Black. Good album. More familiar with Pixies stuff. Beginning punkish to a more rythmic sound. Seemed the album had a nice variety of musical style. Good album to listen while at work. A few songs stood out for me Headache, Fiddle Riddle, Big Red . 3
2.5 I have to be honest for an album that I enjoyed so much while listening, I’m surprised it didn’t leave more of a lasting impression. It had a cool sound but nothing remarkable. Plus idk why Frank Black creeps me out. I definitely feel like I need to listen again because I can’t pick out any particular favorites despite enjoying well enough.
2.5 Whatever DID happen to Pong? Pixies are one of my favorite bands, but I haven't listened to much of Frank Black's solo stuff. I thought I was digging this album, but then about halfway through I realized none of the songs had left any lasting impression on me... and when I finished, that was still the case. Like, while I enjoyed the overarching sound, I couldn't pinpoint a single moment in particular that stood out to me. So with that being said, this is probably the coolest unremarkable album I've ever heard, which in turn has made this really hard to assign a rating - I guess we'll go in the middle. Was going to bump up half a star because Frank Black, but took it back because it's a little too long. Would maybe listen again, but would probably opt to listen to a Pixies album instead. Favorite songs: ??? I straight up listened to this album twice and can't think of one individual song to highlight here
I liked this album. Heard of it before but didn't ever listen.
A mixed bag, but mostly enjoyable.
He does a good job of combining different genres to make an overall enjoyable and fun album that is rewarding to listen to. 4/5
Generic alt rock. With his lyrics, he's trying to be as abstract as M. Stipe while being as clever as E. Costello and as cool as T. Waits, and not always hitting the mark. He sounds like the guy from the Pixies trying not to sound like the guy from the Pixies. It's not BAD, it's just not great. There is nothing essential about this LP. Pixies were vastly better. Get Kim Deal back.
Pretty alright.
Wasn’t what I expected from what I know of the pixies. Really good melodic rock, some great hooks
I like some Frank Black, but gave to admit things picked up when the album finished and spotify autoplayed wave of mutilation
Rating: 2.3
Beaucoup de gens oublient que Frank Black est un mammifère. Il fait d'ailleurs partie, avec les dauphins et les lamentins, des trois seuls mammifères qui passent toute leur vie sous l'eau.
J'ai beaucoup aimé cet album de la baleine Franck Black, notamment le moment où ce dernier remonte à la surface prendre sa respiration, expulsant l'eau présente dans ses poumons d'un splendide geyser aquatique.
I enjoyed the album though it starts to drag a little bit by the end.
Non mi aspettavo questo sound e questa voce, però non mi dice ancora molto.
I went back and forth about this album. There were a number of songs I liked, and a number of songs that I kind of scratched my head about. They were short, and didn't seem to go anywhere. It's like they were underdeveloped ideas that could have used someone to bounce ideas off of. I can hear the obvious influence that Black and the Pixies had on a lot of later American music. They did stuff that a lot of bands used to make that grunge and alternative sound. Truly ahead of their time. On the strength of songs like "Two Reelers" and "Ole Mulholland," I am going to give this a 4, but it's a pretty weak 4. A lot of this was relistenable and enjoyable, but some of the shorter songs were very undercooked IMO.
Not bad but too frenetic. Like his work in the Pixies, it's got Frank Black's signature weird but interesting lyrics and some cool musical arrangements (including some guitar work from his former bandmate) but it's just too all over the place. And it's too long - 22 songs constantly changing in pace and content and style. As much as I liked some songs quite a bit (Abstract Plain, Headache, Freedom Rock, The Hostess with the Mostest, White Noise Maker), the whole album is just a bit too much to wrap my head around. Tighten it up and I might like it even more. But as it stands it feels average at best.
Es bastante sorprendente y está bastante bien
I love Frank Black and I live the work he has done with the Pixies. I do really enjoy this album and regret not taking the chance to properly watch him perform at the `94 Vivid Festival. I was there and know I watched a bit of his ste but that is about it. This album just doesn't hit as hard as some of his others. Maybe he was taking a break from the persona of Black Francis, which is fine. Maybe it will grow on me a bit more now that I have rediscovered it but for now I will give it 3 stars
There's a really great album somewhere here, it just needed to have about 20 to 30 minutes chopped off in order to make that a reality. 3.5/5
Made it through it. I feel like no way this album is on this list if it wasn't for the Pixies pedigree.
Pretty good. 3.5/5
not my thing sorry, nto a fan of his voice
Pixies quite ok, but do not really need this one. Not bad, but not spectacular
This album really loses points due to its length. It starts off fairly strong and then sounds a bit directionless and "samey" which was a disappointment. I noticed a few reviewers mentioned that how by the end of the album, no song TRULY stands out... I completely agree! Well, maybe I'd point out Speedy Marie which gave me a surprising Bowie vibe at times, and was a quick breath of fresh air. "Whatever Happened to Pong?" the opening track, sounds very familiar and I really like the subtle rockabilly/surf rock influence, but it's over so quickly. That being said, there are moments that I can enjoy (at times it gets experimental like in Fiddle Riddle, some really good riffs, synths and melodies throughout) but they almost seemed fleeting, like I was grasping at them but they were done before reaching their true potential which made for a frustrating listening experience. I'd say at points I'd consider it a solid 3 or even a 4, but due to lack of highlights and an excess of filler songs I'll ultimately give it a 2.
Je me suis ennuyé
ouais ok ouais dac (je sais pas je nettoyais la hotte aspirante)
Each song is an individual shard in a mosaic of this album, reminding me of GBV. These are all full length though which pushes the album over hour in length. I was surprised how well it holds up and the lyrics are witty. It's not a bad album but it doesn't feel like something I had to listen. It is not transcending it's timeframe well, lot of songs feel like soundtrack for teenage movies or sports videogames from it's period.
This was bad, not meaning good. A couple of songs towards the end were okay.
Didn't realize Frank Black was the dude from the Pixies. I was thinking this sounded a ton like the Pixies...unfortunately it sounds like the more chaotic Pixies songs that aren't my favorite.
Rating: 6/10 Best songs: I could stay here forever, Big red
Overly long for a bland album. Nothing particularly bad, but nothing that stands out either.
Not for me. Enjoy the sound but not the lyrics. Can appreciate how clever they are nonetheless.
There is something really quite special when an album you love but never imagined would make it on the list comes up. And so, here we are, with Frank Black’s second solo album (his first is also pretty good). Unleashed from the now split Pixies (temporarily split, as it turns out) although still working with Joey Santiago who delivers some fine guitar solos, Black indulges his love of space, aliens, conspiracies, sci fi, deserts and his and the water supply to California. Most tracks are short, snappy and punchy, (The Hostess with the Mostest is a nifty slice of diner pie clocking in at 1m 56s) alongside some extended surf rock and ska tracks. At the time, many called this ‘Pixies on the Beach’ and whilst there is light and sunshine here, Black’s oddities and obsession never quite put the listener at ease. But he’s clearly enjoying creating some pop rock tunes, singing not screaming and it makes for a fun, quirky, terrific record.
Hljómar illa í byrjun en við frekari hlustun fer þetta að vera fínasta plata.
Liked some tracks. Couldn’t get into it fully in the 1990s or now.
New to me, as a Pixies fan. Exactly what I would want from his solo work. Has those never ending guitar chords that spiral up to a climax that never comes. May have been a better album experience if truncated to a single LP. (3.75)
Not for me. I didn't see anything special in this.
Rox
He kinda funny 3 this one
Lite långt men kova
This was good but not good enough to break up the Pixies for lol
interesting album with some songs with more rough edges than others overal a decent album
Альбом на троечку, опять скукота, но такую ужасную обложку для рок-альбома ещё придумать надо.
The Pixies sound with some burrs sanded off doesn't do much for me. Teenager is arranged like a pop album, that is to say it arrives all at once but takes an hour to finish. Not bad, but I have no urge to dig back in.
This didn't capture me at all. Maybe my head/mood just wasn't in it.
I was surprisingly impressed by this. I heard some Pixies in there but also a melange of other early 90s stuff - Madchester maybe? Pop? Grunge? Good fun overall.
There was some interesting lyrics and some good guitar, plus a lot of the songs were short. It's not bad, but I'm not really a fan of punk so I can't say I particularly enjoyed it that much.
Some gems on this album. Enjoyed it
Massive massive fan of the pixies surprised at myself for never listening to this. It doesn't quite hit the sweet spots of Surfer Rosa or troupe le monde, however enjoy his vocals and idiosyncratic lyrics. Might need to spend some time with it.
Pixies were better.
Not as good as The Pixies. There were a couple of good tracks, but not enough to make it great. I kept stopping to listen to other things, to be honest.
I was nominated for Teenager of the Year back in '92, but lost out to some baby face called George Dawes from the Upper Floors. Baked potato! 2.5
It took me 5 songs to realize this is the guy from the Pixies. Overall enjoyable, but super long. Not my taste for all of it but some of it really jams.
This was an... odd album. It's a rock-pop mix of mostly short songs, few of which stand out in any way. Many of the songs have a certain humorous vibe to them which gives the album as a whole a sorta cynical-funny mix of looking at things which is quite fun, especially tracks like "Abstract Plain", "Sir Rockaby" and "White Noise Maker". I think the one big standout track of the album is "Freedom Rock", where the instrumental work is given a bit more focus, especially in the song's intro. Overall a good listen, but not really something I'd particularly recommend.
This album had so much energy and originality I feel bad not giving it a 4 or even 5, but I couldn’t emotionally connect and I don’t expect to listen again (but who knows), so alas a three.
Strange ride. The first couple songs were pretty fun. Then it settled into a bunch of songs that made me think he was trying to be Lou Reed -- but not very successfully. Then he was trying to be Lou Reed -- rather successfully! Finally he settled into some more poppy punk from 18-21 that was fun. Ultimately, I can't shake the impression that this is a too-long album made by a guy who's convinced everything he writes is great stuff. And he's right only part of the time.
Rather disappointing, to be honest
Heel duidelijk wat Pixies meegenomen naar z'n solo werk
Pretty good, but could of been shorter. Favorites: "Whatever Happened to Pong?", "Calistan", "Headache"
Nice
The first two songs are the worst thing I've ever heard. Third song ("Abstract Plain") is better, but so far the album is not great. Okay, it picked up as the album went along, coming in at a solid 3. But I will never forgive this album for putting me through the first 5 minutes.
Enjoyable. Some solid tunes. 3.5/5 rounded up.
A bit long, but not too bad overall
As a Pixies fan, I was excited, but at it's best this is only mid-level Pixies. I guess it's an album to make me appreciate Kim Deal and Joey Santiago more (though apparently Santiago did contribute some guitar work). Not bad though, just, not as good as his other work. So...the above is my draft from listening to the first half or so of this yesterday...but listening to the second half it grew on me...not sure if I changed or the songs, but I can hear the Pixies-ishness more and I really dug it. Gonna bounce this up to a 4.
This felt very very long and disjointed. I kept checking to see how much more I had to go before I was done. Not a fan.
not good, not terrible
Very good. A bit rambling at points, but pleasantly rambling. Sounded more like Dylan than I had expected, and lots of influence from The Clash too. Clear distinction from his work with the Pixies, which I was kind of not really thinking it would be. Oddly, it made me want to listen to Pixies rather than more of his solo stuff though - just cos I know it better.
Was wel ok, niet echt een blijvertje voor mij.
De arrogantie van 1 van de wielen van een raceauto om te denken dat je zonder die andere wielen ook lekker hard kunt rijden. Lekker in je eentje uit de bocht vliegen dan. Gauw terug naar de Pixies voor je helemaal lek raakt, Frankie.
Pixies vond ik al lastig, laat staan deze potpourri van geluid. Nee, ik heb dit halverwege afgezet.
Pixies vind ik geweldig. Maar Frank Black solo is nooit echt helemaal mijn ding geworden. Ook deze plaat is veelal meer van hetzelfde, niet heel spannende rocknummers. Het mist het spannende scherpe Pixies randje.
Var búin að gleyma þessari plötu. Enn hressileg. Hellingur af Pixies í sumum lögunum.
Was hard to have a decisive reaction to this album. It’s pretty long and the songs while they are all generally alternative it feels they vary throughout how the mesh together. The album felt a bit messy and like a compilation of songs the writer had ready to go. Nothing I would revisit. 4.2/10
Never ad erd of deez but its qite nice and feels qite of the time.
Teenager of the Year is too much long for it's own good. There are songs strewn throughout the album where there are moments that stick long enough to be memorable and where songs can be utterly forgettable. If this were split into two albums, maybe it could be a better overall achievement by Frank Black but, as one whole, it's okay. Favorites: Whatever Happened to Pong?, (I Want to Live on an) Abstract Plain, Calistan, Freedom Rock, Fiddle Riddle, Olé Mulholland, I Could Stay Here Forever, Pure Denizens of the Citizens Band.
generic
C’est ben trop long cet album. Il y a bien quelques trucs intéressants, mais c’est complètement dilué dans une mer de punk/rock/commercial générique. Concision s’il vous plait !
Je crois que j'avais déjà entendu Headache sur cet album. Ça s'écoute bien, mais c'est vraiment trop long. C'est définitivement un essentiel à écouter à cause de l'importance des Pixies, mais ça ne passe pas à l'histoire et n'est pas un essentiel dans une collection. La voix du début de Freedom Rock est vraiment dans la veine de Iggy Pop. J'aurais pris plus de pièces dans ce genre.
enjoyable
I love the Frank Black and the Catholics albums. This album had some fun tracks, and from what I read, looks to be the foundation for forming the Catholics and their sound. But in comparison to the later stuff, I wasn't as into this.
Too long!
Moderately interesting and entertaining, but not much to get truly excited about. “Speedy Marie” and “Headache” and “Big Red” are solid+, but fall far short of Pixies at their best. Probably about even with the band’s replacement-level output. It all feels average (or above average if you like FB and the P’s) but not much stands out to any great degree (even accounting for high expectations). Also, the decent amount of dreck seems inevitable on a 22-track effort – with the net result being that we barely clear the forgettability threshold. I suspect inclusion of this record to be a personal project (pet peeve) of one of the editors. 2.8 for 3.
Rocky
Terrible
Some great tracks but did it need to be over an hour long?
Meh not a fan. Lyrics are garbled and hard to comprehend. Not a fan of the sound. One or two songs were decent.
Frank Black, Black Francis, Charles, whoever you are on any given day, I love listening to you! I'll always love your work with the Pixies best, but this is a great fucking album. Even though we still get the maximum amount of bizarreness and grime in every track, it feels a bit more refined than Pixies albums do. Like all that bizarreness and grime has been passed through a fine mesh strainer. I do think the runtime is a little long, it could have benefited from some streamlining, but I love it.
Some nice guitars but overall sprawling and messy.
Alright! Started weird but improved after a few songs.
Better than expected. Heard the Pixies decades ago and wasn't keen. Varied influences from the 50s through the 90s. Great songwriting and some lovely guitar. Maybe a bit manic in parts.
I'm not sure quite how to review this. The songs have a lot of energy, there are a lot of them, with most being quite short, but they kind of passed through me without making an impact. Maybe I just wasn't focused enough listening to it, but I just didn't hear much that stood out. I'm giving it 3 stars, although I will try to listen again and may revise that.
Неожиданный альбом Естественно тем, что хорош Тем более в такой момент. В который раз убеждаюсь - Открытия могут быть всегда Йогурт или альбом - это не важно На самом деле как желанное дитя Если бы гранж и инди его имели!
I really like Pixies but never heard much of Frank Black (Black Francis) outside of that band. I was really interested in hearing this and I neither disappointed nor enthralled. There's a mix of good and not that good to be found here. There's a lot of genre hopping. Some works better than others to be sure. The biggest con to me is that the album is an hour long. Some of those less interesting songs could've been cut to make a leaner, more enjoyable experience. Overall, not bad. Just a bit bloated.